UPSC Prelims 2012 Q42: Geography – Indian Agriculture & Land Use
Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’?
- (a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
- (b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
- (c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
- (d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
Explanation
Mixed farming
Mixed farming means growing crops and rearing animals together on the same farm.
| Option | Verdict | What it really describes |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops | Incorrect | Crop diversification |
| (b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field | Incorrect | Mixed cropping or intercropping |
| (c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together | Correct | Mixed farming |
| (d) None of the above | Incorrect | Option (c) is right |
Terms that are often confused:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mixed farming | Crops and livestock |
| Mixed cropping | Two or more crops sown together, no fixed rows |
| Intercropping | Two or more crops in definite rows |
| Crop rotation | Different crops one after another |
Where it is found: north-western Europe and eastern North America, where fodder crops are grown for the animals.
Answer: (c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Growing cash crops and food crops together is not mixed farming.
- (b) Incorrect. Two or more crops in the same field is mixed cropping.
- (c) CORRECT. Mixed farming is rearing of animals along with cultivation of crops.
- (d) Incorrect. Option (c) is the right definition, so 'none' fails.
Key point
Mixed farming: crops plus livestock. Mixed cropping: crops sown together. Intercropping: crops in rows. Crop rotation: crops in sequence.
Remember
Mixed farming = crops + animals.
Common mistakes
- Confusing mixed farming with mixed cropping.
- Thinking 'mixed' refers to a mix of cash and food crops.
- Forgetting that livestock is the defining part of mixed farming.
Exam tip
Farming is wider than cropping. Mixed farming includes animals; mixed cropping has only crops.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Fundamentals of Human Geography, Ch 5 (Primary Activities)
- NCERT Class IX — Science, Ch on Improvement in Food Resources